Foie gras could be tasty way to get Alzheimer’s. (Times Online)

FOIE GRAS, enjoyed as a luxury since ancient Egyptian times, may be linked to the onset of diseases including Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, researchers have suggested.

The scientists who carried out the study say those with a family history of such illnesses should consider avoiding foie gras.

The possible risk comes from “amyloid” proteins found in the delicacy, which is made from the swollen livers of force-fed geese and ducks. The proteins have been linked to the onset of all these conditions.

In their study, the researchers found mice fed on foie gras started growing amyloid proteins in various organs. They observed a similar result when extract of foie gras was injected into the rodents’ bloodstream.

This latest bit of alarmism doesn’t affect me either way, but I am still creeped out by this.